Ring's First Smart Lock Can Be Hand-Cranked When Battery Dies

Ring, the Amazon-owned home security company, announced its first smart lock on [date], featuring a unique hand-crank mechanism that allows users to unlock their door manually if the device's battery dies. The product aims to eliminate a common pain point for smart lock owners: being locked out when power runs out. The lock is expected to be available for purchase later this year.

Smart locks have grown in popularity, but battery failure remains a top concern for consumers. Ring's solution—a hand-crank that generates enough power to unlock the door—is a first for the category. The company has not yet released pricing or detailed specifications, but the announcement signals Ring's ambition to expand beyond its core video doorbell and camera business into full home access control.

The move could pressure competitors like August, Yale, and Schlage to innovate on reliability. Industry analysts note that while hand-cranking is a novel backup, it may add bulk and complexity. Ring's entry also raises questions about data privacy and integration with Amazon's ecosystem. The lock is expected to ship in the coming months, with pre-orders likely to open soon.